The Weekly Ramsey Update
Week 11
Upcoming events
Nov. 23 - No Flipside
Nov. 24 & 25 - NO SCHOOL
A Note from the District
MYP update of the week
This week, students watched the nation elect a new president, and they were able to participate in a mock democratic election of their own in social studies classes. It was a great model of how being open-minded is an important attribute to develop in our students. We also look to the mission statement of the IB, which states: "These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right." From a classroom debate to a community discussion to a national election, we want students to recognize that we can respect differences of opinions and learn from others as we strive to widen our perspectives and learn from one another.
This week at Ramsey
Visual Arts Exploration: Students are ending their first project and beginning their second choice based projects. Ms. Schultz is looking for old newspapers for the art room if you have some you are willing to donate.
All 6th and 7th-grade students will be participating in History Day, which will be taking place over the next several months. This year's theme is "Taking a Stand in History". Students can choose whether they will work as an individual or in a partnership, they will choose their topic, and they will decide on a means of presentation. Please look for a parent letter on this topic coming home with your student. Information can also be found on the Ramsey website Social Studies page.
Please feel free to connect with your student's Social Studies teacher, or use the following link http://pickingatopic.weebly.com, which can also be found on the Minnesota Historical Society.
Students in 6th grade ELA workshop classes will be starting a Reader's Workshop unit studying social issues in texts. Students will learn advanced reading and book club strategies using class anchor texts and then move into book clubs to choose 'Just Right' books using a social issues lens.
In Ms. Fontana's ELA Workshop 7 class, we worked on closely reading a text to find the deeper meaning of the text, including analyzing the tone, theme, and symbolism in the text. Students have their first homework reading assignment of second quarter, which is due Wednesday before Thanksgiving break.
Students started a new quarter this week, which was a fresh start for students. This gives students a chance to reflect on their successes from first quarter and think about areas of growth where they can focus on improving this quarter. Check in with your student to help him/her reflect and discuss goals for second quarter.
A note from our PTO and Parent Volunteers
Central High School Prospective Parent Night Nov. 22
Come and take a look at all the wonderful programs Central has to offer including: IB, AP, Quest, PSEO, AVID and more.
Central counselors will be there to help you as well as our Gifted and Talented coordinator and administrators.
When? Tuesday, November 22nd
Time? 6-8pm
Location? Central High School Auditorium
Student Surveys at Ramsey
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Between November 7, 2016, and December 9, 2016, students in grades 6 through 12 will receive an anonymous survey that will ask questions about their experiences in school. The anonymous survey is called the 5Essentials School Effectiveness Survey.
You have the right to review the survey if you would like. You also have the right to opt-out
your child from participating. Please contact the school’s main office at 651-555-1234 if you have questions or concerns.
Thank you
Counselors' Corner
Ramsey Counseling Corner News:
Grades:
First quarter grades will be mailed on Wednesday (11/23/16). Families should be receiving their student's first quarter report card no later than Monday November 28th. Any questions about your son or daughter's academic progress can be directed to either Barbie Woodruff (serving student's with last names starting with A-L) or Ayoub Nigatu (serving student's with last names starting with M-Z).
First quarter Honor Roll Recognition Ceremonies for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students are scheduled for Tuesday December 6th-Thursday December 8th (8:30-9:15am). Families are encouraged to attend the ceremonies to celebrate their son or daughter's academic success for First quarter.
December 6th: 6th grade Honor Roll Recognition Ceremony
December 7th: 7th grade Honor Roll Recognition Ceremony
December 8th: 8th grade Honor Roll Recognition Ceremony
Conferences:
Reminder to families conferences at Ramsey Middle School are on Thursday December 15th from 4pm-7pm.
Important Notices
OPLA Testing - The OLPA (Optional is available in mathematics for students in grades 3 - 8. It provides a risk-free environment for students to familiarize themselves with online testing and provides teachers with information to target instruction before the mathematics test (MCA - Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment) test used for accountability in the spring.
A parents "How-to" for Schoology - Here is a link to learn more about how to navigate Schoology, a learning management system being used district-wide.
Science Department - The science department is still in need of empty 2L bottles with caps. Please send them with your student to bring to their science teacher!
From the library - Student Library Survey
We would like to hear from our students about their library and reading needs. This survey will be distributed to students in Foundations in the coming days. If you'd like to preview the survey or take the survey with your student now, please follow this link (https://goo.gl/forms/C0ziv5Z09me410hE2). No HIPPA protected data will be collected about students who participate; however if you would like your student to opt out, you may.
Parent Library Survey
Parents who haven't yet given their feedback about the RMS library may do so here: https://goo.gl/forms/EsL3l4PqJ8wu80p33
From Our Social Workers - As cold weather is approaching it reminds us that there are students who are not fully outfitted with warm weather gear (and then there are those that refuse and only want to wear a hoodie, like mine!) and that some of us may have items we could donate. We are looking to set aside a small store of winter jackets and hoodies, hats, gloves, and mittens. If you have gently used items and care to donate please drop them off with Kris Knetsch or nurse Maureen, in the nurse's office. All sizes welcome! Thanks!
Yearbook Update: Yearbooks make great holiday gifts! Yearbooks are on sale now for $21. Order online at jostensyearbooks.com.
About Us
Website: ramsey.spps.org
Location: 1700 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Phone: (651) 293-8860